Kathleen Jameson

Rice MBA for Executives Class of 2011

With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Arts from the University of Louisville, and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, Kathleen Jameson gave new perspective to the meaning of ambition when she chose to earn a Master of Business Administration from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University.

An established leader in the arts, Jameson was selected as the new Executive Director of The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina in July 2010, and while her background was already highly accomplished, she realized the benefits of a business education were significant.

For Jameson, the Rice MBA for Executives program was the ideal choice to prepare her for more strategic influence in her career. "I want to have the highest confidence in my ability to direct all aspects of a museum, and I felt an M.B.A. was essential in order for me to achieve this goal. I also feel strongly that an M.B.A. would improve my leadership skills as well as help me to speak the same language as many of the folks involved with the museum."

Choosing the Rice MBA for Executives"I felt that Rice offered the best program in Houston. I was especially interested in the ability to shape the program through electives in the second year. This has proven to be critically important for me, as I have been able to drill down in such key areas as strategy and leadership."

A Balancing Act"When we first began the program, a second-year student told us to plan everything in two-week increments, and that was key advice. I look at the calendar and plan just for the next two weeks. Otherwise, I think trying to balance everything would feel too overwhelming. I also have a wonderful partner, John Bryant, who has kept our household going during this time of tremendous change. Our daughter, Bella, inspires me every day."

Enhanced Career"I feel strongly that it has made all the difference in my professional life. I believe I was named the new Executive Director of the Mint Museum in Charlotte, N.C. because of my ability to address all areas of the institution, to think critically and strategically, and to demonstrate a commitment to excellence – all achievements directly rooted to my experiences at Rice."